MitsubishiLancer Evolution20082.0L/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2008/2-0l/

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — 2.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Lancer Evolution 2.0L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.0LTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a 2.0L-powered passenger car paired with an S6 automatic transmission, delivering an EPA-rated 17 city and 22 highway mpg while requiring 5.9 quarts of 5W-30 API motor oil. Its mechanical footprint is matched by a substantial reliability footprint, as this model year carries 59 total owner complaints—predominantly centered on the power train—alongside 4 separate recalls. When situated within the broader 2004-2015 complaint history that ranges from a low of 2 complaints in 2004 to a high of 79 in 2010, the 2008 Evolution emerges as a model year with pronounced vulnerabilities, meaning researchers must carefully weigh its documented power train issues against the vehicle's baseline specifications.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820062005

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/22/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 520 CCA battery, OE oil filter MZ690072. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 520 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTURNOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205-60HR16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterMZ690072 alt MZ690116
Engine air filter1500A023
Fuel filter1770A268 alt 1770A273
Spark plugMN163236 alt 1822A021
BatterySC34CMP
Front wiper bladesMZ693021 alt 8250A186
Serpentine belt4451A114 alt 4451A115
Thermostat1305A802
Cabin air filter7803A004

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.9 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height58.7 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight2921 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 22 / 19 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume7 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

4.6–5.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.60 sec — 2008 GSR Sedan
291 hpHorsepower (as tested)
300 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2008GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.60 sec13.40 sec291 hpAWD
2008GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.90 sec13.60 sec291 hpAWD
2008GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.00 sec13.80 sec291 hpAWD
2008GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.80 sec291 hpAWD
2008GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.80 sec291 hpAWD
2008MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.80 sec291 hpAWD
2008MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.30 sec13.90 sec291 hpAWD
2008MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.30 sec14.00 sec291 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.3 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Power Steering FluidGenuine Mitsubishi PS fluid
Power Steering FluidUse Mitsubishi PS fluid

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts184 Turbo ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts73 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts23-37 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs19 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 Turbo rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.06-1.15 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.70-3.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance520 cca
Standard BCI Cranking Performance700 cca

Service checks

Engine Compression152
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle52-65 ft-lbs / 89-111 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket25-31 ft-lbs / 28-36 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle74-81 ft-lbs / 42-48 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.87 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.87 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.803 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-10015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
2180 degrees.180 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
2180 degrees.180 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 10,000 miEngine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miActive Yaw Control System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Center Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Fuel System (inspect) · Heater Hose (replace) · Radiator Hose (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution marks the first year of the Evo X generation, and the federal record shows a clear spike in issues compared to the preceding 2007 model year, which had zero complaints and only one recall. With 59 complaints, 4 recalls, and 86 TSBs, 2008 sits in the middle of a rising trend that peaks in 2010 (79 complaints, 7 recalls, 131 TSBs). The top complaint areas—Power Train (19) and Electronic Stability Control (14 combined with ESC)—indicate early teething problems for this new generation, though no crash or fire complaints were reported. While 2008 is not the worst year in the arc (2010 is worse), it is significantly more problematic than the 2007 model and the later 20112012 years, which show declining complaint and recall counts. **Given the high number of complaints and recalls relative to both the preceding and subsequent model years, 2008 is a riskier buy; consider a 2011 or 2012 model instead for a more mature, less trouble-prone example.**

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
86
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
59
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 59 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train19
Power Train,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)14
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4
Structure4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Steering,Power Train,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
Power Train,Equipment Adaptive/Mobility,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V562000Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated PulleysReported 12/09/2014

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011… Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be…

13V446000Power Train:Manual TransmissionReported 19/09/2013

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch… Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 86 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB-24-27-0012024-03-19Power TrainService Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides the replacement…
TSB-23-22-0012023-07-21Power TrainThis Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional…
DEALER LETTER2023-07-21EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
TSB-23-00-0042023-04-24StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for…
TSB-23-00-0012023-04-24EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Lancer Evolution. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Lancer Evolution 2.0L take?

5.9 qt of 5W-30 SM API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Lancer Evolution have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.0L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined mpg.